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Emissions from residential cooking and heating, power generation, and industries together contribute up to 60 per cent of India's PM2.5 pollution, with about 80 per cent of this coming from <keyword id="23824528" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fossil-fuel-combustion" source="keywords">fossil fuel combustion</keyword>, a new study has found. The peer-reviewed study, published in MDPI's "Air" journal, suggests dividing India into 15 airsheds based on regional climate and pollution sources. An airshed is a geographic area where <keyword id="53848" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="air-quality" source="Orion">air quality</keyword> is influenced by common factors such as wind patterns and pollution sources. Since pollution can spread across regions, the <keyword id="22077484" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="airshed-approach" source="keywords">airshed approach</keyword> promotes coordinated action among states. "Residential cooking and heating, power generation, and all other industries together are responsible for 40-60 per cent of the PM2.5 pollution in all the airsheds, and approximately 80 per cent of the pollution comes from fossil fuel burning sources," said Sarath Guttikunda, lead author of the study and founder of UrbanEmissions.info. The study said biomass burning, including post-harvest crop residue burning, contributed less than 3 per cent to annual PM2.5 levels while transport accounted for 5-10 per cent in all airsheds. PM2.5 are fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, about the width of a human hair. These are so small that these can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks. An analysis of PM2.5 trends from 1998 to 2020, along with state-level data on fuel consumption, energy demand and emissions, revealed that 11 of the 15 airsheds were critical for India's air quality management and required coordinated interventions. The Indo-Gangetic Plains remain the most polluted region, with significant emissions from residential cooking and heating (especially in winter), power plants, brick kilns (driven by construction demand), waste burning, dust and vehicular movement for passengers and freight. The plateau region between the Eastern and Western Ghats, India's second most populated area, has seen the highest rise in annual PM2.5 pollution during this period, the study said. "This is an indication of the growing urbanisation and demand for transport, industrial, and commercial amenities," it said. Coastal areas, vital to India's industrial economy, have also experienced rising pollution despite the moderating effects of land-sea breezes. This increase is attributed to growing shipping emissions and overall industrial growth in cities such as Mundra, Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Haldia.

Study traces 60% PM2.5 pollution in India to residential cooking, power generation, industries

The effects of poisonous gases that leaked from the <keyword id="23933468" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Carbide" source="keywords">Union Carbide</keyword> factory in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal 40 years ago were seen in the next generations of those who survived the tragedy, a former government forensic doctor has said. At least 3,787 people were killed, and more than five lakh were affected after a toxic gas leaked from the pesticide factory in the city on the intervening nights of December 2 and 3, 1984. Speaking at an event held by organisations of gas tragedy survivors on Saturday, Dr. D. K Satpathy, former head of the forensics department of Bhopal's Gandhi Medical College, said he performed 875 post-mortems on the first day of the disaster and witnessed 18,000 autopsies the next five years. Sathpathy claimed Union Carbide had denied questions about the effects of poisonous gases on unborn children of women survivors and said effects would not cross the placental barrier in the womb in any condition. He said blood samples of pregnant women who died in the tragedy were examined, and it was found that 50% of the poisonous substances found in the mother were also found in the child in her womb. Children born to surviving mothers had the poisonous substances in their system, and this affected the health of the next generation, Sathpathy claimed and questioned why research on this was stopped. Such effects will continue for generations, he said. Satpathy said it was said that MIC gas leaked from the Union Carbide plant, and when it came in contact with water, thousands of gases were formed, and some of these caused cancer, blood pressure, and liver damage. Rachna Dhingra of <keyword id="24137747" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bhopal-Group-for-Information-and-Action" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bhopal Group for Information and Action" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Bhopal Group for Information and Action">Bhopal Group for Information and Action</keyword> said Satpathy, who carried out most autopsies, and other first responders in the 1984 disaster, including the senior doctors in the emergency ward and persons involved in mass burials, narrated their experiences during the event. Rashida Bee, president of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh, said a poster exhibition covering every aspect of the disaster will be held till December 4 to mark the 40th anniversary of the tragedy. An anniversary rally will be organised, with a focus on global corporate crimes such as <keyword id="20335495" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="industrial-pollution" source="keywords">industrial pollution</keyword> and climate change, she said.

Bhopal gas tragedy: Effects of leak seen in next generation of survivors, says ex-forensic doctor

If you woke up in <keyword id="19900881" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi" source="keywords">Delhi</keyword> recently, you might have noticed more than just the nip in the air – a thick, toxic smog has blanketed the city, turning the air almost unbreathable. On Monday, Delhi’s <keyword id="19920379" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-quality-index" source="keywords">Air Quality Index</keyword> (<keyword id="19916482" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aqi" source="keywords">AQI</keyword>) hit 481, placing it in the "severe plus" category. For context, the “severe” category begins at an AQI of 401, and anything above 450 poses serious health risks even for healthy individuals. According to Swiss group IQAir’s live rankings, Delhi is currently the most polluted city in the world, with an air quality score of 1,081 – a “hazardous” level that is 130.9 times the World Health Organization’s recommended limit for PM2.5. <h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">Major contributors to Delhi’s smog</h3>The root causes of Delhi’s pollution are manifold: <ul><li>Stubble Burning: On Saturday, crop residue burning contributed 25% of Delhi’s air pollution. By Sunday, this figure had climbed to 40%, according to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research). Satellites recorded 1,334 stubble-burning incidents in six northern states on Sunday alone, the highest number in four days.</li><li>Vehicles: On Sunday, vehicular emissions accounted for 15.8% of the city’s pollution, according to the Centre’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management.</li><li>Construction Dust and Industrial Emissions: PM2.5, a deadly pollutant, remains the most prominent factor, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and leading to severe respiratory and cardiac diseases.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;"><keyword id="24020184" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GRAP-Stage-4" source="keywords">GRAP Stage 4</keyword></h3>To combat the rising pollution levels, authorities have enforced Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Here’s a breakdown of the restrictions: <ul><li>Vehicle Restrictions:</li><ul><li>Diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV and below) registered in Delhi are banned unless carrying essential goods.</li><li>Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi can only enter if they use CNG, BS-VI diesel, or are electric.</li><li>Trucks carrying non-essential items are barred unless they use cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. </li></ul><li>Workplace and School Adjustments:</li><ul><li>Classes for students in grades 6 to 9 and class 11 have moved online.</li><li>Offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) are advised to work at 50% capacity, with the rest operating remotely. </li></ul><li>Construction Ban: </li><ul><li>Construction and demolition (C&amp;D) activities have been halted, including large projects like highways, flyovers, and pipelines. </li></ul></ul>Out of Delhi’s 40 monitoring stations, 32 reported AQI levels above 400 on Monday. Visibility in parts of the city dropped to just 100 metres due to the thick smog. The health implications of these numbers are alarming. <keyword id="20118319" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM2-5-levels" source="keywords">PM2.5 levels</keyword> in Delhi were recorded at 130.9 times the safe limit set by the WHO. According to experts, long-term exposure to such air quality could lead to an 11% increase in premature mortality rates due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that Delhi residents may lose an average of 10 years of life expectancy if pollution levels persist. Despite the restrictions, life in Delhi continues under a cloud of smog. Iconic landmarks like India Gate have become barely visible through the haze. While flights and trains are operational, some delays have been reported.

GRAP Stage 4 restrictions take effect as air quality in Delhi deteriorates; PM2.5 levels 130 times higher than WHO limits

In an age of rapid <keyword id="22943705" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="satellite-deployment" source="keywords">satellite deployment</keyword>, the sky above is not just getting more crowded but also becoming noisier with unintended radio wave emissions. Satellite swarms orbiting Earth, particularly the second-generation <keyword id="19998609" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Starlink-satellites" source="keywords">Starlink satellites</keyword>, are leaking more <keyword id="22477491" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electromagnetic-radiation" source="keywords">electromagnetic radiation</keyword> than ever before. This radiation, which bleeds into protected wavelength bands reserved for <keyword id="21166517" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="radio-astronomy" source="keywords">radio astronomy</keyword>, is raising serious concerns among astronomers and researchers. <h2>Starlink v2 satellites: A significant increase in radiation </h2>The second-generation Starlink satellites, known as the v2mini and v2mini Direct-to-Cell versions, are at the centre of this issue. These satellites are leaking up to 32 times more radiation than their predecessors. When first addressed in 2023, <keyword id="19905255" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SpaceX" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="SpaceX" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="SpaceX">SpaceX</keyword> acknowledged the problem and stated it was working on a solution. However, with 6,398 satellites now in orbit, the situation has only worsened. Cees Bassa, an astronomer with the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON), highlighted the alarming data. "Compared to the faintest astrophysical sources that we observe with LOFAR, unintended electromagnetic radiation from Starlink satellites is 10 million times brighter," says Bassa. The gap between these signals is as vast as comparing the faintest stars visible to the naked eye to the brightness of the full Moon. With SpaceX launching approximately 40 second-generation Starlink satellites weekly, the problem is intensifying rapidly. While SpaceX is currently the largest player in low-Earth orbit, they are not alone in this burgeoning satellite race. A recent study has shown that constellation satellites are leaking radio waves outside the 10.7-to-12.7 gigahertz range used for communication downlink. Even more concerning is that some of this leakage occurs in the 150.05-to-153 MHz range, a band crucial for radio astronomy. These unintentional emissions interfere with sensitive astronomical observations, posing a serious threat to the future of space exploration. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113349504" title="Do we really need so many satellites?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Understanding the impact </h2>Using the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) in Europe, a network of around 20,000 radio antennas, scientists conducted detailed observations to measure these unintended emissions. They detected radiation from 97 Starlink satellites in the 110-to-188 MHz frequency range, with emissions from the v2mini versions significantly stronger than their predecessors. Currently, no regulations are in place to address this unintended electromagnetic radiation from <keyword id="23169958" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="satellite-constellations" source="keywords">satellite constellations</keyword>. As more satellites enter orbit, these emissions are expected to grow brighter and more disruptive. Researchers are urging the implementation of new regulations and calling on companies like SpaceX to prioritise reducing these emissions as part of their sustainable space policies. "Humanity is clearly approaching an inflexion point where we need to take action to preserve our sky as a window to explore the Universe from Earth," says engineer Federico Di Vruno of the SKA Observatory. He notes that satellite companies, including Starlink, should take steps to minimise this unintended radiation, as it aligns with their broader goals of <keyword id="23248592" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-space-exploration" source="keywords">sustainable space exploration</keyword>. Radio astronomy has been instrumental in many of the technologies we take for granted today, including WiFi, GPS, and medical imaging. If radio astronomy is compromised, it could have unforeseen consequences that extend beyond the study of the cosmos. Jessica Dempsey, ASTRON’s general and scientific director, emphasises the need for collaboration between regulators and industry players. "We just need the regulators to support us, and the industry to meet us halfway. Without mitigations, very soon the only constellations we will see will be human-made." Meanwhile, SpaceX has not commented on the growing radiation issue yet. However, with increasing pressure from the scientific community, the hope is that action will be taken before it’s too late. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113162328" title="Elon Musk: SpaceX to launch first Starships to Mars in two years" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites are ‘leaking’ radiation into protected wavelength bands and this can indirectly impact WiFi and GPS!

We often think of skincare as a pampering ritual, an opportunity to nourish our skin and express our individuality. But as recent research from the University of Birmingham reveals, some of the popular “leave-on” products we use daily — like sunscreens, moisturisers, and lip balms — might be doing more harm than good. Specifically, <keyword id="19970180" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microplastics" source="keywords">microplastics</keyword> in these products are flying under the radar, raising serious concerns about both environmental and health implications. While most regulatory frameworks have targeted rinse-off products — think face washes and shampoos—leave-on products have received scant attention. This oversight is alarming, especially considering that microplastics, which can be tiny plastic particles or fibres, are prevalent in many of our favorite skincare staples. Dr. Anna Kukkola, a researcher at the University of Birmingham, notes, “The contribution of ‘leave-on’ cosmetics to microplastic pollution is a critical, yet underexplored aspect of environmental contamination.” In their critical review, the researchers analysed 2,381 products and found that only two were classified as leave-on. This glaring gap can be attributed to several factors: the challenges in extracting microplastics from complex formulations and the prevailing public perception that the microplastic issue has been adequately addressed due to bans on rinse-off products. But the truth is, leave-on products could be significant contributors to the microplastic problem. <h2><keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">Health risks</keyword> of microplastics</h2>The health implications of daily exposure to microplastics in leave-on products remain largely uncharted territory. With limited research on how these particles interact with our skin after application, the potential for absorption into our bodies — through mechanisms such as hair follicles and sweat ducts — raises red flags. Dr. Kukkola emphasises this point, stating, “Given how much of these formulas our bodies can and do absorb, it is concerning that little to no research has taken place to investigate the associated health effects.” <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114327120" title="An expert in how microplastics affect our health does 6 things to avoid them at home" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Another critical insight from the study is the misuse of the term “microbeads.” Typically associated with rinse-off products, this term has been inaccurately applied to all microplastics in cosmetics, resulting in regulatory blind spots. This mislabeling has skewed global legislation towards rinse-off products, leaving a significant portion of the microplastic contamination from leave-on products unregulated. <h2>Call for action and future research</h2>The researchers are not just pointing out problems; they are advocating for solutions. Collaborative efforts are underway to develop new methods for extracting and analysing microplastics in <keyword id="23630244" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="leave-on-cosmetics" source="keywords">leave-on cosmetics</keyword>. This initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Sophie Comer-Warner from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Professor Iseult Lynch, aims to fill the critical knowledge gaps identified in the study. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114375709" title="Standing desks may not be a boon for health after all" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Professor Lynch warns, “While the microplastics themselves might be relatively benign, a number of other chemicals are intrinsically bound into or onto the microplastics in complex leave-on formulations, including potentially PFAS, plasticisers, and other chemicals known to be either carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.” As we lather on our moisturisers and slather on <keyword id="19944313" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sunscreen" source="keywords">sunscreen</keyword>, it’s crucial to be aware of what we’re putting on our skin. The <keyword id="20724496" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="beauty-industry" source="keywords">beauty industry</keyword> is evolving, and with it, our understanding of safety and <keyword id="20224419" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-impact" source="keywords">environmental impact</keyword> must grow. It’s time to advocate for better regulations and more research on the unseen dangers of our beloved leave-on <keyword id="20521267" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="skincare-products" source="keywords">skincare products</keyword>. By staying informed and demanding transparency from manufacturers, we can ensure that our beauty routines don’t come at the expense of our health or the environment. The findings of this research have been published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials and can be accessed <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135053">here</a>.

Popular leave-on cosmetics such as sunscreen and lip balms may pose a hidden microplastic risk, scientists warn

Have you ever considered that your regular commute to and fro work could potentially shave off some years from your life? And no, we’re not talking about road traffic accidents but the slow poison we’re inhaling unbeknownst to us: air pollutants. A new study published in <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(24)00114-1/fulltext">The Lancet Planetary Health</a> by an international team of researchers reveals a terrifying truth: over 7% of daily deaths in 10 major <keyword id="20026638" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-cities" source="keywords">Indian cities</keyword> are attributed to <keyword id="19900550" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-pollution" source="keywords">air pollution</keyword> caused by <keyword id="22110704" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM2-5-pollutants" source="keywords">PM2.5 pollutants</keyword> exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) safe limits. These PM2.5 pollutants are microscopic particles, 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, that come from <keyword id="2839914" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vehicle-emissions" source="Orion">vehicle emissions</keyword> and industrial activities. Imagine tiny daggers — that's what these PM2.5 particles are like, infiltrating deep into lungs and even the bloodstream, wreaking havoc on our health. The study found that PM2.5 levels breach WHO guidelines a staggering 99.8% of the time in these cities. The analysis covered major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Shimla and Varanasi. A staggering 7.2% of deaths in these cities, translating to roughly 33,000 annually, were associated with short-term PM2.5 levels exceeding the WHO's recommended limit (15 micrograms per cubic metre) between 2008 and 2019. Delhi, unfortunately, takes the crown for the most polluted. A shocking 11.5% of its annual deaths are attributed to air pollution, translating to a devastating 12,000 lives lost each year. The link between PM2.5 and mortality is undeniable. Researchers found that a mere 10 microgram per cubic metre increase in these pollutants correlates with a 1.4% rise in daily deaths. This risk factor doubles when considering only levels below India's air quality standards, which are, worryingly, less strict than the WHO's recommendations. But here's a surprising twist: the association between PM2.5 and death is even stronger in cities with generally cleaner air, like Bengaluru and Chennai. This suggests that locally produced pollutants, from sources like construction dust or waste burning, might be significant contributors. There is a glimmer of hope, however. The study emphasises that implementing stricter air quality standards and utilising proven pollution control methods from other parts of the world can be game changers. Lowering and enforcing stricter air quality limits will save tens of thousands of lives per year, emphasises Joel Schwartz, a co-author from Harvard University. This study serves as a stark wake-up call. The air we breathe in many Indian cities is a gamble, with every breath potentially harmful. Taking decisive action to curb pollution is not just about a cleaner environment, it's about saving the lives of millions of Indians.

Air pollution kills thousands in Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata every year: Lancet study

The <keyword id="20163832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="society-of-indian-automobile" source="keywords">Society of Indian Automobile</keyword> Manufacturers (<keyword id="108827" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="siam" source="Orion">SIAM</keyword>) and big auto players have hailed the Cabinet decision of PM e-DRIVE schemes aimed at promoting electric mobility across the country. The Rs 10,900 crore scheme will support 2,479,000 electric 2-wheelers, 316,000 electric 3-wheelers and 14,028 electric buses, along with 88,500 <keyword id="186291" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ev" source="Orion">EV</keyword> charging sites. Shailesh Chandra, President of SIAM and Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd &amp; Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, expressed strong support for the government's forward-thinking initiative. Chandra said, "This forward-thinking initiative reflects the Government's unwavering support for <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s transition to electric mobility, fostering innovation and investment within the sector. We believe this scheme will not only enhance the growth of the EV ecosystem but also strengthen India's leadership in the global movement towards environmental sustainability." Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO &amp; MD, Mahindra Group also commended government's efforts, specifically highlighting the comprehensive nature of the PM e-DRIVE scheme. Shah said, "We applause the government for launching the PM e-drive scheme. With continued focused support on 2Ws, 3Ws, e-buses and thoughtful addition of e-ambulances, the scheme will drive higher EV penetration in the country." M&amp;M noted that schemes like <keyword id="21028" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fame" source="Orion">FAME</keyword> and <keyword id="48070" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="emps" source="Orion">EMPS</keyword> have already driven penetration of electric three-wheelers in India. "Investments laid out for fast charging infrastructure for all segments will help in increasing consumer confidence for faster adoption of EVs. FAME and EMPS have helped in 20 per cent e-3W penetration in the country. With PM e-drive, we foresee India becoming the first country to achieve 100 per cent electrification in this segment by 2030", he added. The Union Cabinet, on Wednesday, cleared the 'PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM e-DRIVE) Scheme,' with a total outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over two years. It includes Rs 3,679 crore in subsidies and demand incentives for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging electric vehicles. It is expected to support the deployment of 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses, providing a significant push to India's EV ecosystem. A critical aspect of the scheme is the introduction of e-vouchers for EV buyers. At the time of purchase, an Aadhaar-authenticated e-voucher will be generated, which will enable buyers to avail of demand incentives. Additionally, the scheme allocates Rs 500 crore for the deployment of e-ambulances, marking a new initiative to integrate electric vehicles into essential public services. Another Rs 4,391 crore has been earmarked for the procurement of 14,028 e-buses, with a demand aggregation process led by CESL in nine major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Intercity and interstate e-buses will also be supported in consultation with states. Furthermore, Rs 500 crore has been set aside to incentivize the adoption of e-trucks, a critical move given that trucks are one of the largest contributors to air pollution. The scheme encourages those with a scrapping certificate from <keyword id="19897457" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-road-transport" source="keywords">Ministry of Road Transport</keyword> and Highways-approved (MoRTH) vehicle scrapping centres to participate in this transition. With an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore, the scheme will support the installation of 22,100 fast chargers for four-wheelers, 1,800 fast chargers for e-buses, and 48,400 fast chargers for two- and three-wheelers. These chargers will be installed in cities with high EV penetration and along selected highways, making long-distance EV travel more viable.

Automobile industry hails PM e-DRIVE scheme to promote EVs

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="21868010" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Victoria-Ou" source="keywords">Victoria Ou</keyword> and <keyword id="21868011" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Justin-Huang" source="keywords">Justin Huang</keyword>, both 17, won $50,000 for their <keyword id="21868009" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microplastic-filtration-device" source="Orion">microplastic filtration device</keyword>.</li><li>They tested a new technique using <keyword id="21403320" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ultrasound" source="keywords">ultrasound</keyword> to filter <keyword id="19970180" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="microplastics" source="keywords">microplastics</keyword> from water.</li></ul>Two teenagers from Woodlands, Texas invented a device that could help address one of the most pervasive and challenging forms of pollution on Earth: microplastics. These microscopic plastic particles show up in the deepest parts of the ocean, at the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mount-everest-summit-microplastics-study-national-geographic-2020-11">top of Mount Everest</a>, and are in everything from the dust in your home to your food and water. By some estimates, we each inhale and ingest a credit card's worth of plastic per week. Thenit can end up in our <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microplastics-found-in-living-human-lungs-for-the-first-time-2022-4">lungs</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microplastics-discovered-in-human-blood-for-the-first-time-2022-3">blood</a>, breastmilk, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microplastics-found-in-human-testicles-what-to-do-2024-5">testicles</a>. Victoria Ou and Justin Huang, both 17, hope to prevent that one day with their award-winning device that removes microplastics from water using ultrasonic — or high-frequency — sound waves. Ou and Huang presented their work at last week's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/teen-wins-isef-science-fair-grand-prize-discovery-biomedical-devices-2024-5">Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair</a> (ISEF) in Los Angeles, where top competitors from science fairs worldwide congregated to share their projects and compete for $9 million in prizes. The Texas duo received first place in their Google-sponsored category, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and they also snagged the $50,000 prize from the Gordon E. Moore Award for Positive Outcomes for Future Generations. <div type="image" title="Victoria Ou and Justin Huang stand with their arms raised wearing giant gold medals around their necks" height="839" width="1259" msid="110377857" hostid="261"></div>Though the ultrasonic technique is in its very early stages, the high schoolers hope that one day it could filter the plastic out of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nanoplastics-water-bottle-micro-plastics-bloodsteam-tiny-pieces-plastic-2024-1">your drinking water</a> and from the industrial and wastewater that humans dump into the environment. "This is the first year we've done this," Huang told Business Insider backstage after receiving their award. "If we could refine this — maybe use more professional equipment, maybe go to a lab instead of testing from our home — we could really improve our device and get it ready for large-scale manufacturing." While it's unclear how <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/you-are-consuming-microplastics-how-much-what-to-know-risks-2022-4">microplastics affect human health</a>, many common chemicals in plastic have been linked to increased risk of cancer, fertility and development issues, and hormone disruption. And we're still a long way from getting rid of microplastics. <h2>The challenge of filtering microplastics</h2> <div type="image" title="White microplastic beads inside a black container under a microscope" height="683" width="1024" msid="110377858" hostid="261"></div>Last fall, while <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/isef-science-fair-parents-mistake-pressure-2024-5">brainstorming ideas</a> for their ISEF project, Ou and Huang visited a water treatment plant. They wanted to find out whether this type of facility already had tools that could remove microplastics from wastewater. The answer, they discovered, was no. The EPA doesn't regulate microplastics, the employees told Huang and Ou, so they don't remove them from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microplastics-carry-stomach-viruses-in-fresh-water-for-days-study-2022-6">wastewater</a>. "We knew, from then, to focus on this issue," Huang told BI. Even if the EPA began regulating these pernicious plastic particles tomorrow, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microplastics-water-pollution-solution-from-google-2019-8">existing removal methods</a> have problems, Huang said. One solution is to use chemical coagulants, such as aluminum hydroxide, that — when added to water — clump microplastics together into larger, more easily filtered chunks. However, chemical coagulants can also pollute the environment and mess with the PH of purified water. Plus, they're expensive. There are also some physical filters available, but they clog easily. And biological solutions, like using enzymes to break down plastics, aren't efficient enough to tackle this problem at scale. "We wanted to find a solution to this because current solutions aren't really effective," Huang said. So, Ou and Huang — who have been friends since elementary school and connected over their shared interest in the environment — set out to invent their own environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and efficient solution. <h2>How it works</h2> <div type="image" title="Victoria Ou and Justin Huang stand in front of their science fair poster holding a small device in their hands that they invented" height="667" width="1000" msid="110377861" hostid="261"></div>Huang and Ou's device is remarkably small, about the size of a pen. It's essentially a long tube with two stations of electric transducers that use ultrasound to act as a two-step filter. As water flows through the device, the ultrasound waves generate pressure, which pushes microplastics back while allowing the water to continue flowing forward, Ou explained. What comes out the other end is clean, microplastic-free water. The two teens tested their device on three common types of microplastics: polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyethylene. In a single pass, their device can remove between 84% and 94% of <keyword id="7791833" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microplastics-in-water" source="Orion">microplastics in water</keyword>, according to a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.societyforscience.org/press-release/high-schoolers-win-more-than-9-million-at-regeneron-isef-2024/">press release</a>. <h2>Future work</h2> <div type="image" title="Victoria Ou and Justin Huang stand back to back wearing a black and blue suit" height="1667" width="2500" msid="110377862" hostid="261"></div> Ou and Huang believe their technology could be used in wastewater treatment plants, industrial textile plants, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-chicago-cleans-billion-gallons-wastewater-every-day-2024-4" target="_blank">sewage treatment plants</a>, and rural water sources. On a smaller scale, it could filter microplastics in laundry machines and even fish tanks. But first, there's more work to be done. "To reach that stage, I think we need a lot more processing," Ou said. "This is a pretty new approach. We only found one study that was trying to use ultrasound to predict the flow of particles in water, but it didn't completely filter them out yet." The <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S138358662200209X" target="_blank">study</a> that inspired the two teens was by New Mexico Tech researchers and published in the peer-reviewed journal Separation and Purification Technology in 2022. In another 2023 <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383586623006056?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">study</a>, researchers at Shinshu University tested a similar ultrasound-filtering method to remove microplastics from water. But Ou and Huang say their device is simpler, more efficient, and the first to use ultrasound to block and filter microplastics directly. Their technique uses ultrasonic waves to create a pressure wall that blocks microplastics and allows water to flow through, whereas the Shinshu study focused the microplastics into a beam that must then be collected separately, which requires more steps, more infrastructure, and didn't filter as much water. "I hope we just are able to be able to scale this up, but first we have to refine it because this technology is still at its infancy," Huang said. Their $50,000 prize could help them get there. In the meantime, though, they're enjoying the moment. "We were just happy being able to go to ISEF. Originally, we weren't expecting too much, but getting first place and the top award is much more than we ever expected," Ou said. "This is something that I've been dreaming of my whole life, so I'm still pinching myself trying to figure out if this is real or not," Huang said. Correction — May 29, 2024: An earlier version of this story misstated the novelty of Ou and Huang's invention. Ou and Huang are not the first to successfully use ultrasound to separate microplastics from water. Previous studies have tested similar methods.

2 teens won $50,000 for inventing a device that can filter toxic microplastics from water

<ul><li>The <keyword id="15478236" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget-2024" source="Orion">Budget 2024</keyword> will be tabled by the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23.</li><li>The <keyword id="20081557" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="auto-industry" source="keywords">auto industry</keyword>’s expectations from the Budget 2024 include FAME 3 scheme, incentives for hybrids and more.</li><li>Here are the key expectations from the auto industry for the Budget 2024.</li></ul> The Budget 2024 is set to be tabled on July 23 by the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and like each sector, the Indian auto industry also has set a lot of expectations from the Narendra Modi-led government’s first budget of its third term. From a boost to electric vehicles to infrastructure development, the auto sector has a series of expectations that it hopes will be addressed in the upcoming budget. This article delves into the key budget expectations of the auto industry in India <h2>FAME 3 scheme</h2>The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME 2) has been integral for the electric vehicle (EV) makers as it has helped keep EVs affordable for the common man. With the government<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/government-is-reportedly-reworking-the-fame-ii-scheme-to-ensure-companies-use-domestic-components/articleshow/93752352.cms"> reworking</a> the FAME 2 scheme and then<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/electric-scooters-get-a-price-hike-of-up-to-16000-as-fame-subsidy-ends/slidelist/109136771.cms"> ending the scheme</a>, the prices of EVs have increased. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111573138" title="Union Budget 2024: When will it be presented, what time, where to watch and what are various sectors expecting?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> With Budget 2024, EV makers will look towards the government for the FAME 3 scheme. The government is expected to announce the FAME 3 scheme with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore. While the exact details of the scheme will only be known once the budget is announced, it will be aimed at boosting demand by subsiding the cost, while also promoting local manufacturing of key components. “In the upcoming budget, we advocate for initiatives and subsidy structures without segment caps which will in turn foster innovation and growth across multiple segments. Recent discussions surrounding the implementation of FAME 3 present a notable opportunity to enhance EV adoption in India,” said Niraj Rajmohan, CTO and Co-Founder, Ultraviolette. "Proposed measures to promote e-buses and enhance payment security are crucial for accelerating sustainable transportation. Comprehensive support for the entire EV ecosystem is essential. Anticipated policy reforms like FAME-III and increased funding for critical EV segments will foster holistic industry growth," said Kartikey Hariyani, Founder and CEO, Charge Zone. <h2>Petrol and diesel under GST</h2>One of the frequent demands recently has been to bring petrol and diesel under goods and services tax (GST) to bring the fuel prices under control. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that the government will try to bring petrol and diesel under GST. At present, the central government levies excise duty on petrol and diesel, while the state government imposes value-added tax (VAT) and sales tax. <h2>Incentives for hybrids</h2>While electric vehicles have long been subsidised by both state and central governments, hybrids have not received the same love. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had earlier this year<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/gadkari-vows-to-eliminate-petrol-diesel-vehicles-in-india-bats-for-lower-tax-for-hybrid-cars/articleshow/108936085.cms"> pitched</a> for lower GST on hybrid vehicles. “The proposal to reduce GST on hybrid vehicles to 5% and to 12% for flex engines has been sent to the Finance ministry which is considering the requisition,” Gadkari said. Companies like Maruti Suzuki have a strong presence in hybrids and have a lot to gain from incentives, while companies like Tata Motors who do not have hybrid technology may take a hit on EV sales. With the government looking to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel cars, hybrids may finally get some incentives in the upcoming budget. The UP government has already started offering incentives to select hybrid cars. <h2><keyword id="22433272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vehicle-scrapping" source="keywords">Vehicle scrapping</keyword></h2>Industry bodies such as the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) have sought incentives for vehicle scrapping. These are vehicles that have crossed a certain age and are being scrapped keeping in mind the pollution. While a policy is already in place, the stakeholders are looking for increased incentives, especially for commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses, which account for most of the emissions. <h2>PLI scheme</h2>Automakers are also looking for increased incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, for both ICE and EVs. Companies want the scheme to be expanded to more components, including tyres, which have seen a lot of changes. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/the-biggest-ipos-in-indias-history-lic-to-paytm-companies-that-have-raised-the-most-funds/articleshow/111690863.cms">The biggest IPOs in India’s history – LIC to Paytm, companies that have raised the most funds</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/its-raining-discounts-maruti-suzuki-hyundai-tata-motors-and-others-offer-discounts-on-cars-as-sales-slowdown/articleshow/111688501.cms">It’s raining discounts – Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors and others offer discounts on cars as sales slowdown</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/zomato-and-swiggy-increase-platform-fee-by-20-food-deliveries-to-get-costlier/articleshow/111758782.cms">Zomato and Swiggy increase platform fee by 20% – food deliveries to get costlier</a>

You Searched For "industrial pollution" and got 9 results

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2 teens won $50,000 for inventing a device that can filter toxic microplastics from water

Ellyn Lapointe,Morgan McFall-…

Budget 2024 Expectations: FAME scheme, aid for vehicle scrapping and other expectations of the auto industry

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